. >> pope benedict has wrapped up the first public appearance since the stunning announcement two days ago. huge crowds greeted him with a standing ovation at the vatican. he presided over the first weekly general audience and told thousands gathered he is stepping down for "the good of the church." the 85-year-old will celebrate ash wednesday mass for the beginning of lent at st. peter's. he announced he is resigning for health reasons. >> president obama is headed to north carolina to rally support for the job creation and economic proposals he unveiled in the "state of the union" address. he said he wants congress to focus on improving voting procedures, raising minimum wages and lowering energy use. corporate profits have skyrocketed while wages have barely budged saying now is the time for comprehensive tax reform. >> a tax code that lowers incentives to move job overseas and lowers tax jobs for manufacturers jobs here in the united states of america, that is what tax reform can deliver and what we can do together. >> in the republican response, senator rubio of florida said more